The continuing impact of asbestos in the workplace has been highlighted after campaigners marked Worker’s Memorial Day.
While death and injuries from other causes have fallen dramatically in recent years, asbestos remains a major killer.
This year’s theme for the day, which promotes the importance of continuing to improve the health and safety of UK workers, was “remember the dead and fight for the living.”
It focused on pressing for the removal of hazardous substances from the workplace.
Millions of workers worldwide have been killed or injured in the workplace, many in particularly danger environments such as the construction industry.
However, deaths and injuries in the workplace have fallen significantly since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act in 1974.
Fatal injuries at work are down by 87 per cent and non-fatal injuries by 77 per cent.
There were 651 deaths in the workplace in 1974, compared to 85 in 2013/14, while 336,701 employees were injured in 1974, compared to 77,310 in 2011/12.
But there has been no reduction in asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. This is due to the nature of the disease, with 30 to 40 years between the original contact with the fibres and the presence of symptoms.
Exposure to the asbestos fibres has often taken place before 1980, so there has been an increase in asbestos-related deaths in this decade.
Rebecca Montague, an asbestos claims specialist at Macks Solicitors in Redcar, said further improvements in worker protection are needed.
“The harsh reality of failing to protect workers from potentially harmful substances remains evident today in the numbers of people suffering from asbestos-related diseases,” she said.
“It is a reminder of the importance of continuing to improve health and safety in the workplace. Without the protection of comprehensive health and safety legislation, many workers may be left vulnerable to injury and disease.”
The Health and Safety Executive believes around half the reduction in non-fatal injuries can be explained by changing employment patterns, such as the decline in traditional heavy industries. It stresses, however, that the drop is also evidence of the legislation’s success.
Employees suffering symptoms of stress caused by a workplace environment is another area where there has been an increase. The HSE believes this is due to changing attitudes towards mental health and a greater awareness of stress-related conditions, which has increased the levels of self-reporting.
Macks Solicitors in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Darlington have a team of industrial disease lawyers who are experienced in dealing with claims concerning asbestos related illnesses, including cases where employers need to be traced.
We also have personal injury specialists, who are experienced with claims regarding accidents in the workplace. Our personal injury lawyers have dealt with both minor and life-changing injury cases, and are committed to ensuring that all medical costs are covered, as well as any loss of earnings.
To speak to our solicitors in Middlesbrough, Redcar or Darlington about bringing a claim for illnesses or injuries in the workplace, you can call 01642 252 828.
